Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Have you ever wanted the best of both worlds; a dessert that combines the comfort of homemade banana bread with the decadent richness of chocolate brownies? These banana bread brownies are exactly what your taste buds have been craving. This recipe transforms overripe bananas into fudgy, moist squares that disappear faster than you can say "seconds, please." Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dessert or something special for your next gathering, banana bread brownies deliver every single time. The beauty of this recipe is how it takes simple pantry ingredients and creates something truly spectacular that both kids and adults absolutely love.

Why These Banana Bread Brownies Stand Out From the Rest

Let me tell you why this banana bread brownies recipe has become my go-to whenever I have ripe bananas sitting on my counter. Unlike traditional banana bread that can sometimes turn out dry or regular brownies that lack that special something, these banana bread brownies strike the perfect balance between cake-like texture and fudgy richness. The natural sweetness from mashed bananas means you can use less refined sugar while still getting that satisfying dessert experience your family craves.

What makes these banana bread brownies truly special is their versatility. You can dress them up with cream cheese frosting for special occasions, swirl in some chocolate chips for extra indulgence, or keep them simple for a healthier treat. They work beautifully as breakfast bars, afternoon snacks, or elegant dessert squares. Plus, they're incredibly forgiving; even beginner bakers will nail this banana bread brownies recipe on their first try without any fancy techniques or complicated steps.

Jump to:

• Why These Banana Bread Brownies Stand Out From the Rest
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Transformed My Banana Bread Brownies Forever
• FAQ
• Your Next Baking Adventure Awaits
• Related
• Pairing
• Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

• Overripe bananas (the more brown spots, the better for natural sweetness)
• Melted butter (or coconut oil for a lighter version)
• Brown sugar (adds moisture and depth)
• Eggs at room temperature
• Pure vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process works great)
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon (enhances banana flavor)
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Chopped walnuts (optional, adds crunch)

For Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1 - Preparing Your Ingredients and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking throughout.
2. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
3. Mash your bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth with just a few small chunks remaining.
4. Let your eggs sit at room temperature for 10 minutes; this helps them incorporate better into the batter.

Step 2 - Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. Add melted butter to your mashed bananas and stir until completely combined and glossy.
2. Mix in brown sugar until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, about 30 seconds of stirring.
3. Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to build structure.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, making sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3 - Combining Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Sift the dry mixture if you want extra smooth banana bread brownies without any lumps.
3. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, stopping as soon as you see no more flour streaks.
4. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts if using, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 4 - Baking to Perfection

1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into all corners with an offset spatula.
2. Tap the pan gently on the counter twice to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
3. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Let the banana bread brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting out using the parchment overhang.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your banana bread brownies absolutely perfect every time comes down to a few key techniques that professional bakers swear by.

• Banana Ripeness Matters Most Always use bananas that are heavily spotted or even completely black on the outside. The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread brownies will turn out. If your bananas aren't ripe enough, place them in a paper bag for 2-3 days or roast them in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes.
• Don't Overmix the Batter Once you add your dry ingredients, mix only until you can't see flour anymore. Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, dense brownies instead of tender ones. Use a folding motion with your spatula rather than aggressive stirring.
• Test for Doneness Properly Your banana bread brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember that they'll continue cooking slightly as they cool, so slightly underbaking is better than overbaking for that perfect fudgy texture.
• Cool Before Cutting Patience pays off here. Let your brownies cool completely before slicing, or they'll fall apart. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for an hour, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.
• Enhance with Brown Butter For an extra layer of nutty, caramelized flavor, brown your butter before adding it to the bananas. Cook butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownies Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur both make excellent gluten-free flour blends that work perfectly in this banana bread brownies recipe.
• Dairy-Free Version Replace butter with coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter substitute. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like before adding to your batter.
• Healthier Banana Brownies Cut the sugar in half and add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while maintaining moisture.
• Chocolate Lover's Version Double the chocolate chips and add ¼ cup of cocoa nibs for intense chocolate flavor. Swirl in ¼ cup of Nutella before baking for extra decadence. Top with chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and heavy cream.
• Nutty Variations Beyond walnuts, try pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for 5 minutes before adding to enhance their flavor. For nut-free banana bread brownies, substitute with sunflower seeds or simply omit them entirely.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes creating perfect banana bread brownies so much easier and more enjoyable.

• 9x9-inch Square Baking Pan: Metal pans conduct heat better than glass for even browning. Look for heavy-duty aluminum pans that won't warp in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and cleanup. Cut it larger than your pan so you have handles to lift out the brownies.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Glass or stainless steel bowls work best. You need one big enough to fold in ingredients without spilling.
• Potato Masher or Fork: For getting those bananas perfectly mashed. A potato masher is faster and more efficient than a fork.
• Rubber Spatula: Crucial for folding without overmixing. Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and flexible.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation underneath for even cooling. This prevents soggy bottoms.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: For clean cuts through your banana bread brownies once they're cooled completely.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Room Temperature Storage

Keep your banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They actually taste better on day two as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage

For longer storage, refrigerate your brownies in an airtight container for up to one week. The cool temperature makes them extra fudgy and dense. Let them come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezer Storage

These banana bread brownies freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag with all air pressed out. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2 hours.

Meal Prep Tips

Bake a double batch on Sunday and portion them into individual servings. Freeze half and keep half fresh for the week. This gives you grab-and-go breakfast bars or after-school snacks ready whenever you need them. You can also freeze the unbaked batter in the pan; cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ

Your Next Baking Adventure Awaits

Now that you've mastered this banana bread brownies recipe, you're ready to explore even more delicious brownie variations. Once you've perfected these fudgy squares, try making Cherry Brownies Recipe for a fruity twist that's perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of tart cherries and rich chocolate creates an elegant dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

For something truly decadent, the Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe takes brownies to a whole new level of luxury. These banana bread brownies have given you the foundation; now you can build on those skills with more advanced techniques. Keep experimenting with different banana bread brownies variations, share them with friends and family, and don't forget to save those overripe bananas for your next batch. Happy baking!

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this banana bread brownies recipe: